Volunteers needed to build ATV trail (06-04-13)

MONTROSE, Colo.– In recognition of National Public Lands Day, the Bureau of Land Management is looking for volunteers to help build a new ATV trail in the Dry Creek Travel Management Area.

Volunteers will meet at9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the Tabeguache Trailhead in Dry Creek. A high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle will be required to access the work site, which is a half mile up a steep hill. Participants should bring gloves, water, lunch, sun protection, and be prepared for a physically demanding day. While the work will be strenuous, the new trail will replace the Coyote Wash trail which was closed for natural resource protection.

“Once completed the new trail will offer stunning views of the Uncompahgre Plateau and Dry Creek while providing the same connection that was available before the closure of Coyote Wash for ATV's, motorcycles, mountain bikes, horseback riders, and hikers,” said Julie Jackson, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator of the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office.

Due to the amount of work involved and the scope of this project, an RSVP is required to participate. For more information or to volunteer, contact Emily Hoerner at 970-240-5308 orehoerner@blm.gov.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.